
Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Eyes Helium Supply Risks Amid Middle East Conflict
Mar 18, 2026 04:41 am UTC| Economy Business Technology
Malaysias semiconductor industry is closely tracking potential disruptions to global helium supplies as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to ripple through international commodity markets. While no...

Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns and Yen Weakness
Mar 18, 2026 04:39 am UTC| Central Banks Economy
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is widely expected to keep its short-term benchmark interest rate at 0.75% following its March 19 policy meeting, marking a pause after its 25 basis point hike last December. While no immediate rate...

Asian Markets Rally on AI Optimism Ahead of Fed Decision
Mar 18, 2026 04:38 am UTC| Economy
Asian stock markets mostly advanced on Wednesday, fueled by a surge in technology stocks following major announcements at Nvidias GTC 2026 conference. Fresh AI-related partnerships and next-generation computing product...

Asian Currencies Hold Steady Amid Iran Conflict and Central Bank Decisions
Mar 18, 2026 04:36 am UTC| Economy
Asian currencies traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, combined with a wave of major central bank meetings, prompted traders to adopt a cautious stance....

Japan's Major Companies Lead Strong Wage Growth for Fourth Consecutive Year
Mar 18, 2026 04:34 am UTC| Business Economy
Japanese corporate giants, including Toyota, Hitachi, and NEC, announced significant pay increases during this years annual wage negotiations, marking the fourth straight year of robust salary growth. The momentum reflects...

Dollar Steadies as Oil Pullback Lifts Risk Sentiment Before Central Bank Decisions
Mar 18, 2026 04:32 am UTC| Economy
Global currency markets shifted cautiously on Wednesday as easing crude oil prices offered a brief respite from recent volatility, lifting risk appetite just ahead of a series of major central bank policy decisions. The...

Iran-Israel War Escalates: Cluster Missiles, Nuclear Fears, and Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Mar 18, 2026 04:29 am UTC| Politics Economy
Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a critical point as Iran launched cluster warhead missiles at Tel Aviv overnight Tuesday, claiming the strike was retaliation for Israels assassination of senior security...